What parallels exist between Genesis 6:21 and Jesus' teachings on preparedness? Genesis 6:21 in Focus “You are also to take for yourself every kind of food that is eaten and gather it as food for yourselves and for the animals.” Jesus on Preparedness • Matthew 24:44 — “For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” • Matthew 25:13 — “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” • Luke 12:35 — “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” • Luke 14:28 — “Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?” Shared Themes and Parallels • Immediate Obedience – Noah obeys God’s single verse command without delay. – Jesus calls disciples to act now, not later, because His return will be sudden. • Provision Ahead of the Crisis – Noah stores food before the flood appears. – Jesus teaches to have oil before the bridegroom arrives (ten virgins). • Comprehensive Preparation – “Every kind of food” addresses all needs—Noah, family, animals. – Jesus urges complete readiness: lamps trimmed, hearts watchful, resources counted. • Preparedness Springs from Faith – Noah gathers supplies because he trusts God’s warning. – Believers stay alert because they trust Christ’s promise of return. • Blessing for Others – Noah’s foresight sustains every creature aboard the ark. – Jesus frames readiness as service: faithful servants feed the household at the proper time (Luke 12:42-44). • Time-Bound Opportunity – Once the ark door closes, it is too late to gather more provisions. – Once the door to the wedding feast shuts, unprepared virgins remain outside. Living It Out Today • Build daily rhythms of obedience—act on Scripture promptly. • Cultivate spiritual and practical disciplines that anticipate future testing. • Let preparation overflow in generosity, supplying others as well as yourself. • Keep watch with hope, knowing that foresight guided by God’s word is never wasted. |
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